by Nora Caterino

Created on: September 30, 2009

Swine flu, caused by the H1N1 virus, could well become a global pandemic this year, killing hundreds of thousands or even millions. You can lessen you and your family's chance of getting this potentially deadly virus by taking the swine flu vaccination. However, some people with certain health conditions should NOT take this vaccine. Check with your physician if you have any health problems and, even if you have no health issues, do not take the vaccine if you are feeling under the weather. Check with your health care provider to determine which family members can safely be vaccinated. Those family members should get the swine flu shot as soon as possible. But even before getting the swine flu shot, you can tilt the odds in your family's favor of remaining healthy. Here are some tips to help your family avoid this unpleasant illness.

Tip 1: Ask every family member to their hands frequently and thoroughly. Many people do not wash their hands thoroughly. To ensure you get rid of all germs, use a generous amount of antibacterial soap. Then massage the suds on your hands and lower arms while mentally reciting the song "Happy Birthday to You". This provides time enough for the soap to rid your hands of germs and viruses. Any time you are in contact with surfaces touched by or used by the public, immediately wash your hands. Even the simple act of pressing an elevator button can allow your finger to carry the swine flu virus. If you work with the public, wash your hands during every work break.

Tip 2: Avoid people who are known or suspected of having swine flu. If you know that a friend or family member is feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, limit your contact with them as much as possible and, if you must be in their presence, be sure to wear a mask. If someone in your home becomes ill with flu-like symptoms, you probably can not avoid all contact and may even need to provide care for the sick person. In this case, avoid allowing the person who may have swine flu to cough or sneeze on you. Keep tissues nearby so they can easily reach them if they feel a sneeze or cough about to occur.

Tip 3: Keep surfaces sterilized. It is likely that you or your children have guests visit in your home. Any one of these guests could have the swine flu virus but not yet have clear symptoms. Use a top-quality cleaning product which clearly states on the label that it sterilizes surfaces to wipe down all items around the home. This includes door knobs, telephones, refrigerator door handles, counter tops, desks, toys, and even vinyl or wooden furnishings.

Tip 4: Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or on the hot water cycle in your dishwasher. Use an antibacterial dishwashing liquid if you wash dishes in the kitchen sink and make sure the water is very hot. To help sterilize the dishes in the sink, add dishwashing liquid and cover dishes with the hottest tap water. Allow dishes to soak until the water is just cool enough to tolerate it with your hands inside rubber gloves. If you use a dishwasher, use antibacterial dish detergent and the highest water temperature setting.

Tip 5: Teach your children to help avoid getting the swine flu by not sharing drinks or candy and washing their hands often. Make sure they understand how to follow all the other safety tips to lessen their chances of getting sick.

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